Tale of Two Narratives: The Holocaust, the Nakba, and the Israeli-Palestinian Battle of Memories

The book explores how the Holocaust and the Nakba have been narrated in Israeli-Jewish and Palestinian societies since the 1993 Oslo Accords, exposing ethnocentric victimhood narratives that minimize the other's past. It demonstrates the interrelated nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the contextualization of historical events, highlighting the universal malleability of mnemonic practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 325 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Holocaust and the Nakba, two deeply traumatic events that have shaped the collective identities of Israeli-Jews and Palestinians, hold a significant place in the history of both societies. This book aims to provide a parallel analysis of the transmission of these foundational pasts within Israeli-Jewish and Palestinian communities since the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords. By delving into the narratives surrounding the Holocaust and the Nakba, the work seeks to expose the existence and perpetuation of ethnocentric victimhood narratives that serve as the theoretical foundations for minimizing or even denying the other's past.

The study employs a comprehensive analytical framework that encompasses three established realms of societal memory transmission: official state education, commemorative acts, and mass mediation. Through this lens, the book demonstrates the interconnected nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the contextualization of the primary historical events. It also highlights the universal malleability of mnemonic practices, emphasizing the ways in which memories are constructed, shared, and interpreted within different cultural contexts.

The transmission of the Holocaust and the Nakba is intricately linked to the broader political context of the region. The book explores how these events have been narrated and interpreted within the frameworks of official state education, which often promotes a particular national narrative that emphasizes victimhood and collective responsibility. Commemorative acts, such as memorial ceremonies and museums, also play a crucial role in shaping public memory and perpetuating narratives of victimhood. Mass mediation, including media coverage and popular culture, further contributes to the dissemination of these narratives and their impact on societal attitudes.

However, the book also raises important questions about the limitations and potential biases of these transmission realms. Official state education, for example, may prioritize national narratives that align with political interests, obscuring or downplaying alternative perspectives. Commemorative acts may reinforce existing divisions and perpetuate stereotypes, while mass mediation may simplify complex historical events and promote simplistic narratives.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a multifaceted approach to the study of memory transmission. It encourages a critical examination of the sources and methods used in the construction of historical narratives, as well as a recognition of the role of individual and collective memory in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. The work also emphasizes the importance of dialogue and collaboration between different communities, as well as the need to promote empathy and understanding to foster a more inclusive and peaceful future.

In conclusion, The Holocaust and the Nakba: Transmission and Contextualization in Israeli-Jewish and Palestinian Societies offers a valuable contribution to the field of memory studies. By exploring the ways in which these foundational pasts have been narrated and interpreted, the book sheds light on the complex dynamics of societal memory transmission and its impact on collective identities. It provides a framework for analyzing the limitations and biases of different transmission realms and encourages a more nuanced and inclusive approach to studying memory and history. Through its insights, the book contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote reconciliation, understanding, and peace in the Middle East.

Weight: 732g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108840286